MBA students told a national survey they want technology, automation and AI literacy embedded in core curricula—92% said automation and digital strategy should be integrated; 78% said AI literacy should be a required graduation competency—yet only 41% believe programs teach those skills well, Arkansas State’s poll found. At the same time, U.S. business schools report a sharp decline in applications this cycle, driven largely by falling international demand amid visa delays, a harder immigration environment, and competing global destinations. Admissions officers and deans say prospective international applicants are re‑weighing the financial and immigration calculus of studying in the U.S. Business‑school leaders should prioritize rapid curricular updates on AI and digital skills, couple them with clearer career‑outcome messaging, and work with international‑student offices to mitigate visa and post‑grad work‑authorization concerns to stabilize applicant pools.